2024 Texas Vaccine Policy Symposium

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of disease and prevent deaths, preventing more than 4 million deaths each year. However, the politicization of vaccines has resulted in increased vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. and policies that exacerbate this issue.

At the 2024 Texas Vaccine Policy Symposium, researchers and stakeholders from across the state will discuss the impact of vaccines in Texas and the challenges ahead as we look toward the 89th Texas legislative session, which starts in January 2025. Speakers will include vaccine scholar Dr. Saad Omer, dean of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who will discuss the impact of vaccines on public health and ways to improve access, and Michael Emerson, the Baker Institute’s Chavanne Fellow in Religion and Public Policy, who will discuss how vaccine advocacy should be an integral part of religious faith, to help others who are less fortunate. In addition, Texas State Representative Ann Johnson will comment on major issues and challenges in the upcoming state legislative session. The event will feature ways to uncouple vaccines from politics and how to effectively advocate for policies that can increase access to vaccines for those who need them most.

This event is co-organized by the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences, and The Immunization Partnership (TIP), with support from Rice University’s Creative Ventures Fund: Conference and Workshop grant.

This event is free and open to the public.